Glass restrooms in Texas town up for national award

By Craig Hlavaty

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A set of two $27,000 restrooms in the Sulphur Springs, Texas, courthouse were up for the prestigious honor of America’s Best Restroom last year in a contest created by Cintas, the business supply company. The all-glass restrooms with one-way mirrors didn't win the contest, but they're worth checking out. Would you use them?

A set of two $27,000 restrooms in the Sulphur Springs, Texas, courthouse were up for the prestigious honor of America’s Best Restroom last year in a contest created by Cintas, the business supply company. The ... more

A set of two $27,000 restrooms in the Sulphur Springs, Texas,... Photo-5294975.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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Last year, the restroom at the New Braunfels Buc-ee’s was inducted into the America’s Best Restroom Hall Of Fame. Nominations can be sent through an online form on the contest site. A selection committee bases their nominations on eligibility, style, and how well the nominees take to being considered for the award. less

Last year, the restroom at the New Braunfels Buc-ee’s was inducted into the America’s Best Restroom Hall Of Fame. Nominations can be sent through an online form on the contest site. A selection committee ... more

Last year, the restroom at the New Braunfels Buc-ee’s was... Photo-5294964.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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What makes the restrooms in Sulphur Springs, located in the northeast corner of the state, so special is that they are all glass and constructed with one-way mirrors. Those using the facilities can see out, but no one can see inside while you are doing your business. less

What makes the restrooms in Sulphur Springs, located in the northeast corner of the state, so special is that they are all glass and constructed with one-way mirrors. Those using the facilities can see out, but ... more

What makes the restrooms in Sulphur Springs, located in the... Photo-5294965.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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Sulphur Springs city manager Marc Maxwell says that using the restrooms — which opened last fall — does take some getting used to.

Sulphur Springs city manager Marc Maxwell says that using the restrooms — which opened last fall — does take some getting used to.

“It’s very weird, especially the first time, but you get used to it,” says Maxwell. Since the outsides are mirrors, you contend with people pointing and checking their makeup while walking by, which can be daunting for some users. less

“It’s very weird, especially the first time, but you get used to it,” says Maxwell. Since the outsides are mirrors, you contend with people pointing and checking their makeup while walking by, which can ... more

“It’s very weird, especially the first time, but you get used... Photo-5295068.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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The restrooms are open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Maxwell says they are constantly busy with sightseers and locals gawking at the twin oddities. The restrooms were a part of a downtown revitalization program, says Maxwell. The city was trying to find a way to mask the toilets so they would blend in with the new construction and the idea hit Maxwell in a flash of genius. Now they are tourist attractions. less

The restrooms are open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Maxwell says they are constantly busy with sightseers and locals gawking at the twin oddities. The restrooms were a part of a downtown ... more

The restrooms are open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.,... Photo-5294968.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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“People show up to visit them in groups. People take pictures from inside while their friends are outside,” says Maxwell. “People will actually go out of their way traveling just to see them.”

“People show up to visit them in groups. People take pictures from inside while their friends are outside,” says Maxwell. “People will actually go out of their way traveling just to see them.”

“People show up to visit them in groups. People take pictures... Photo-5294969.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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There is no inside illumination in the restrooms, with all light supplied from outside or from lamps in the concrete surrounding it. It can get pretty dark at night before closing time, but not too dark so you cannot see what you are doing in the lavatory. It sits next to a giant chess and checkerboard and a veteran’s memorial in the square. A public splash fountain is nearby if your bladder is shy and you need to encouragement. less

There is no inside illumination in the restrooms, with all light supplied from outside or from lamps in the concrete surrounding it. It can get pretty dark at night before closing time, but not too dark so you ... more

There is no inside illumination in the restrooms, with all light... Photo-5294970.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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“Public restrooms are usually ugly,” says Maxwell. “These are like art pieces.”

“Public restrooms are usually ugly,” says Maxwell. “These are like art pieces.”

As for the contest, Maxwell would love for Sulphur Springs’ tourist haunt to win big, but he’s happy to just be nominated and in the same company as the washrooms in the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. less

As for the contest, Maxwell would love for Sulphur Springs’ tourist haunt to win big, but he’s happy to just be nominated and in the same company as the washrooms in the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria in New ... more

As for the contest, Maxwell would love for Sulphur Springs’... Photo-5294973.71759 - San Antonio Express-News

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“We’re hoping to be number one on the list,” says Maxwell. “But we’ll settle for number two.”

“We’re hoping to be number one on the list,” says Maxwell. “But we’ll settle for number two.”

“We’re hoping to be number one on the list,” says Maxwell.... Photo-5294974.71759 - San Antonio Express-News